If you have done any woodworking with hand tools you know that sharp edge tools are central. Plane Irons, Chisels, Marking knives, Panel Saws and the list goes on. Just last week I wanted to add to my tool collection with a tool that is no longer made, a Striking Knife. Since these ancient tools are no longer made and used ones are hard to find I turned to my local blacksmith. Lucky enough for me my local smithy is my brother, Nick. I commissioned him to forge a striking knife out of an old flathead screwdriver. The shape and feel turned out great and we hardened the steal in oil. This striking knife will be used for marking out lines for crosscutting with a panel saw. I also have just put into use on my new workbench a holdfast that was also forged out by Nick. The holdfast is a great way to hold your work down to the bench. One whack with the hammer and it is fixed. One more whack to the back and it releases. Next time you want a tool that is not manufactured any more look up your local smithy.
The knife blank in the coals. (In the middle of the coals) 
The finished product.
Holdfast in use.
Thanks to the best blacksmith that I know!!!
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